8 Hidden Places on Cruise Ships You Probably Didn’t Know Existed

Cruise ships are like floating cities—with spas, theatres, restaurants, and more pools than you can count. But beyond the glossy brochures and poolside cocktails, there’s a whole other world most passengers never get to see.

Tucked behind crew-only doors and cleverly disguised in the ship’s layout are places so secret, even seasoned cruisers might not know they exist. From crew bars and hidden lounges to morgues and jails (yes, really), here’s your behind-the-scenes peek at what goes on below deck.

1. The Cruise Ship Jail (Seriously)

Every cruise ship has a security cell—also known as the “brig.” It’s not quite Alcatraz at sea, but it is a small, soundproof room that can be locked from the outside, usually tucked away on one of the lower decks.

They’re used in very rare cases, such as serious physical altercations, destruction of property, or situations where someone poses a threat to others on board. If a guest becomes aggressive or refuses to follow the security team’s orders, they may be held here until the ship can hand them over to authorities at the next port.

While you’ll (hopefully) never see the inside of one, they’re a crucial part of cruise ship safety—designed to keep the peace when the high seas get a little too wild.

2. Hidden Lounges

Some cruise ships are hiding lush, quiet lounges in plain sight. These low-key spots are perfect for dodging the crowds—and often aren’t even listed on the ship’s map, meaning they stay blissfully empty while the rest of the ship is buzzing.

On Royal Caribbean ships like Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas, you’ll find peaceful seating areas tucked just off the jogging track on Deck 5. Disney’s Dream and Fantasy have the beautiful Outlook Lounge on Deck 14, which most passengers don’t stumble across. Carnival fans should check out Lanai on Deck 5 of the Breeze, Dream, and Magic for a hidden slice of serenity.

Top tip: arrive early on embarkation day and take your time exploring the ship from top to bottom. You never know what tranquil corners you might uncover.

3. The Crew Bar

Passengers don’t get invited to this one—but if you’ve ever wondered where the crew goes to unwind, it’s here. The crew bar is where off-duty staff socialise, blow off steam, and enjoy cheap drinks (seriously cheap, compared to what you’re paying). These bars often have a more relaxed, casual vibe than the glitzy lounges guests are used to.

Crew bars usually come with themed parties, karaoke nights, and even their own dance floors. They’re an important morale booster for those working long hours at sea and offer a rare bit of privacy for the people who keep the ship running. It’s strictly off-limits to guests, though if a crew member has family on board, they might get a sneak peek.

For the most part, though, this is one place that stays firmly behind the crew-only doors—and that’s exactly how they like it.

4. The Onboard Morgue

Morgue on this cruise ship is next to where all the food is stored
byu/csubi inmildlyinteresting

It might sound like something out of a cruise horror film, but morgues are a legal requirement on ships. And yes—they’re real.

Located deep down on the lower decks, these temperature-controlled rooms are usually out of sight and heavily restricted. Their inclusion is a practical necessity—cruise ships often carry thousands of passengers, many of whom are elderly or have underlying health conditions. In the unfortunate event of a death at sea, the onboard morgue ensures that the situation is handled respectfully until the next port is reached.

Most morgues can accommodate a handful of bodies, and their existence is part of strict maritime health and safety regulations. You’ll never find them on a deck plan—and that’s exactly the point. While morbid, they’re an essential part of life at sea that the cruise lines prefer to keep discreet.

5. Secret Pools for Crew

Ever spotted a pool at the very front of the ship and wondered why you can’t find the entrance? That’s probably a crew-only pool.

These hidden oases are a well-earned perk for hard-working staff, offering them a rare chance to relax and unwind away from the bustling guest areas. Often located near crew accommodation or accessible via crew-only passageways, they’re modest but appreciated—think loungers, a small plunge pool, and just enough peace and quiet to take the edge off a long shift.

You’ll only catch a glimpse if you’ve got a front-facing cabin or happen upon a lounge with a view. But don’t go trying to sneak in—these areas are closely guarded, and guests are strictly prohibited for both privacy and security reasons.

6. The I-95 Corridor

Nicknamed after the US highway, “I-95” is a hidden corridor that runs the entire length of many cruise ships—but only crew are allowed to use it.

It’s like the ship’s secret motorway, connecting everything behind the scenes: laundry rooms, crew cabins, staff mess halls, storage areas, and service elevators. This corridor plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of the ship, enabling crew members to move from one end of the vessel to the other quickly and without disrupting the guest experience.

It’s often brightly lit, sterile-looking, and entirely functional—nothing like the luxurious guest spaces above. You’ll never see it as a passenger, but it’s the true backbone of daily life on board, where everything from linen deliveries to emergency drills takes place. Think of it as the ship’s control centre, hidden in plain sight below deck.

7. The Kids-Only Entrance

Some cruise ships go all out for their younger guests—including a VIP-style entrance to the kids’ club. Think slides, crawl tunnels, secret doors, and even brightly themed passageways that lead only to the kids’ areas, designed to feel like their very own adventure just getting inside.

These entrances not only make the kids feel special and independent, but they also add a playful sense of mystery that elevates the whole cruise experience for them. Some ships even incorporate themed elements, like pirate or underwater décor, to enhance the fun. It’s a small detail that makes a big impression—and keeps the grown-ups out (as it should be).

8. Hidden Bow Access

Now and then, ships open up the bow—the pointy bit at the front—for guests. It’s rare, but if it happens, don’t miss it. This usually happens during special behind-the-scenes tours, sailaways, or for loyalty programme members, and access is carefully supervised by crew.

Standing at the very front of the ship, watching the ocean stretch endlessly ahead of you, is one of the most breathtaking experiences you can have at sea. The wind in your hair, the horizon stretching into infinity—it’s the closest you’ll ever get to your own Titanic moment (minus the sinking, obviously).

Final Thoughts

So, next time you’re lounging by the pool or queuing for a late-night snack, remember—there’s a lot more happening beneath your feet.

From secret lounges to crew-only corridors, these hidden areas play a crucial role in the smooth running of your cruise. While most passengers will never set foot in them, knowing they exist gives you a fascinating new perspective on how complex—and cleverly designed—these ships really are.

Have you ever discovered a secret spot on a cruise? Or maybe caught a glimpse of something that wasn’t meant for passengers? Drop your story in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’ve spotted behind the scenes!

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